Cape Town — The Department of Defence and Military Veterans confirmed that former National Assembly speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, requested the department provide her with legal assistance.
Mapisa-Nqakula resigned from her position in early April after she was accused of soliciting hefty amounts in bribes from a former military contractor during her previous tenure as defence minister.
According to The Citizen, the Head of Legal Service in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Major General Eric Mnisi, wrote a letter to the State attorney’s office without the knowledge of Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, stating that they were going to pay Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal fees.
She has now sought legal assistance from Modise, for representation during her legal case, a department statement said.
“The request, unfortunately came through the office of Head of Legal Service in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Major General Eric Mnisi who then actioned it prior to seeking counsel from either the Minister nor the Secretary of Defence Dr Thobekile Gamede who is also the accounting officer, particularly on matters that have financial implications on the department,” Modise’s spokesperson Amos Phago
CONFIRMED: The Department of Defence and Military Veterans confirms that corruption-accused former Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, requested the department assist with her legal representation and costs.
However, the department states Major General Mnisi “actioned it [the… pic.twitter.com/nkiMUi5nKg
— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) April 19, 2024
Modise said Mnisi’s handling of the matter without following existing protocols is tantamount to “disrespect of executive authority in the Department of Defence”.
“I have instructed the Secretary of Defence Dr Gamade to look into General Mnisi’s handling of the matter from an administrative and process point of view as there are protocols that must be followed for such requests.” said Modise.
Modise says she will be the one to consider Mapisa-Nqakula’s request taking the law and public finances into consideration.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@CliffShiko
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
